Odisha’s final battle against Maoists set to begin in Kandhamal, March 2026 deadline for total eradication

A massive anti-Naxal operation is set to roll out from Kandhamal as part of the Odisha Police’s comprehensive strategy to eliminate Maoist presence from the state.

The Odisha Police has set an ambitious target to completely root out Maoist activities by March 31, 2026. According to Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania, who reviewed the anti-Naxal preparedness in Kandhamal, an estimated 80–85 Maoists remain active in Odisha. Of them, only five are Odias, with the rest belonging to other states.

DGP Khurania said that following the Centre’s directive to ensure the complete eradication of Maoism nationwide, Odisha has fixed March 2026 as its deadline. A dedicated surrender policy is also in force, offering special rehabilitation benefits to Maoists who choose to give up arms and return to the mainstream.

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The DGP is currently on a two-day tour of Kandhamal and Boudh to assess ongoing operations. After visiting Boudh on Friday, he reached Phulbani today, accompanied by IG (Operations) Sanjeeb Panda, DIG Akhileshwar Singh, and South Range IG Neeti Shekhar.

A review meeting was held at the Kandhamal district police headquarters, where detailed discussions took place on anti-Naxal strategies, Maoist movements, ganja cultivation, and the overall law-and-order scenario. Senior officials, including the Kandhamal SP, SOG Commandant, CRPF, and BSF representatives, were present during the meeting.

“Anti-Naxal operations in various districts are being reviewed. We discussed with senior and field-level officials about the progress so far and the strategies to be adopted next. The Home Minister has set March 31, 2026, as the deadline to eliminate Maoism, and Odisha Police is working in that direction,” DGP Khurania said.

He added that the State government and Odisha Police have repeatedly appealed to Maoists to surrender and join the mainstream. “We have a robust surrender policy. Those who surrender before the police will receive all benefits and support as outlined in the policy,” he said.